Gareth Southgate says his England team are in a “different mental place” ahead of Saturday’s Euro quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
The coach, speaking during a press conference on Friday, said there was a growing belief among his players that they could be successful in the tournament despite criticism over their performance to date.
He told reporters: “I feel like the team, even though we’re training now, looks mentally different. More fluid. I hope we play well on Saturday…
“The longer players are here, the more confidence they have, the less they are affected by what’s out there, they can see the opportunity.”
Southgate added: “We have to deliver tomorrow, we have to be ready to go to the last minute again and go deep.
“But they are highly motivated players and can see the possibility of a semi-final. They are excited to take on that challenge.”
The match, which kicks off at 5pm UK time, will be South gateHe is the 100th person responsible for the national team.
He said he was “very proud” of reaching the milestone, but also described it as “the least important statistic of the week”.
However, the coach has been criticized for his team’s recent performances – including a disappointing 0-0 draw against Slovenia in the group stage.
England were also seconds away from being eliminated during the round of 16 match against Slovakia, until they were saved by a last-minute equalizer from Jude Bellingham.
The Three Lions won 2-1 after extra time.
Read more on Sky News:
Keir Starmer’s reveals new cabinet
Jay Slater’s family responded to the TikTok star
Killer nurse Lucy Letby sentenced again
Reports suggest Southgate intends to tweak England’s formation in Dusseldorf in a bid to improve the team’s fortunes.
However, he refused to accept suggestions that the team would switch to a back three.
“We are always considering the best way to approach a game. In modern football, we build and defend in different ways,” he said.
“Switzerland itself dedicates time to building the game in a back four, it is very fluid in its formation.
“A formation on a piece of paper – a team is rarely in that form.”
Southgate says he has no fear of being sacked – but that will likely be the result if England lose
Gareth Southgate looks increasingly exhausted, perhaps worn down by criticism of England’s performance and how close they came to being eliminated from the Euros last weekend.
There were no rallying cries for fans at home and gathered in Dusseldorf for the quarter-final clash with Switzerland.
No real reflection on the fact Saturday was his 100th game in charge.
Just an insistence that they cannot have a sense of entitlement.
The moments of introspection came when he was asked about his future – revealing at 53 that he is no longer afraid of being sacked as he was when he was a younger manager.
And if many think Southgate has the toughest job in the country, he took a broader view when Sir Keir Starmer became the fifth prime minister since his reign in England began eight years ago.
“I don’t envy his work,” he said. “We want a strong country.”
Just as many hope for a strong national team, one that can reach the third semi-final in four tournaments under Southgate’s command.
If he fails to do so, it will certainly be the end – with a change in the leadership of the Three Lions.
Southgate also revealed that defender Luke Shaw – who has so far sat out England’s games in Germany while recovering from injury – was fit to start on Saturday.
But he was coy about whether the Manchester City star would play – whilst praising his England substitute Kieran Trippier.
“Trippier has been excellent for us. Luke Shaw is available, available to start. But Kieran has done a brilliant job for the team,” he said.
The press conference took place after it was discovered that star Bellingham will be allowed to play against Switzerland following a UEFA investigation into a gesture he made during England’s final game.
Instead, the football body handed the midfielder a suspended one-match ban and a €30,000 (£25,400) fine.
When asked about the punishment, Southgate said: “I thought it was a common sense decision. Clearly, when you score a goal of the quality he scored, at the time he scored it, at the age he scored it, you will have a adrenaline rush.”
He added, “I don’t have any particular need to spend more time with Jude on this. He’s a smart guy.”
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
